All Arts & Culture in MD of Peace

Step back into historic Fairview and visit the Fairview Pioneer Museum!  This ten acre site, 1km North of Fairview on secondary highway 732 at the Cummings Lake Rec Area, is designed to be just like visiting a typical pioneer village.  There is a restored school house, a house, a cabin as well as other historical commercial buildings available for visitors to view.  Admission is free, donations accepted.

This museum is open May through August, Tuesday to Saturday.

For information call – 780-835-5461

Explore the history of Indigenous people, the fur trade and missionaries in the Peace Region by touring Historic Dunvegan!  This National Historic Site of Canada is located alongside the Peace River with a breathtaking view of Dunvegan Bridge.  This bridge is Alberta’s longest vehicle suspension bridge. There is a visitors’ centre located near the entrance which offers information as well as guided tours of the historic buildings. Guided tours are available from mid May until Labor Day.  Four original authentically restored and furnished buildings are located in the same places they were over a century ago.   There are wide variety of cultural and nature-based activities available.

Day use camp areas with fire pits and horseshoe pitches are available to visitors.  A playground and extensive hiking/biking trails will entertain visitors of all ages.  Canada Day celebrations are held here annually as well as a fresh air market, children’s programs and amphitheatre presentations. Stroll down to the near by market gardens for ice cream, shopping and mini golf!  Dunvegan Provincial Park is located adjacent to this historic site for visitors wishing to stay overnight or longer.

Historic Dunvegan is open mid May through to the beginning of September, 10am – 5pm Monday through Sunday.  It  is located 26km south of Fairview on highway #2.

For information call – 780-835-7150

END OF STEEL MUSEUM

Bringing the homesteading history of Hines Creek to life.

The End of Steel Museum opened to the public in 1985 and has been growing and evolving ever since. The museum celebrates the history of the Hines Creek area which is unique because it was the end of the railway line. The tracks were built only to the point that freight rates would have increased and no further. This entailed the moving of the village, from its original site on the creek from which it takes its name, to the present day location. Hines Creek became a transportation hub with the arrival of the first train in December of 1930 and at one point there were five grain elevators along the tracks.

The museum has three historic houses: the Pohaboff House (1928) which is a good example of the sort of small hand-hewn log house built by arriving immigrant settlers; the Carter House (1938) is an unusually large and somewhat grand home, especially as it was built during the Great Depression as Art Carter (of Carter Camp) owned a sawmill; the French “Half-House” (1948-1949) is exactly that, only half the two story home was ever constructed due to financial problems, the staircase is incredibly narrow. These three homes are furnished with time appropriate artifacts to give visitors the feeling that the owners’ might return at any moment.

Hines Creek School #4430 is a one room log structure which allows one to imagine what it must have been like to ride to school three on a pony or try to learn when it was so cold out that the wood stove had to be stoked to the point that it was quite literally red hot. There are two historic churches, Christ Lutheran Church (1928-1932) preserved and restored by children of the original builders and St. James Anglican (1938) was erected through a donation from the Women’s Auxiliary of St. James Anglican Church in Stratford, Ontario, prior to that the congregation had to make due with meeting in schools and homes and with Miss Eva Hasell’s Sunday School Caravan.

The museum also has a Trapper’s log cabin which while not that old (1975) is no different from a much earlier trapper’s cabin. Although tiny and crude, the temporary shelters resorted to while out on the trapline made this a welcome home base. We also have a caboose, NAR 13021 which was built in Montreal in 1949, and served as bedroom, office, and kitchen for three railmen. In 1945 Morgan’s Confectionary began as John and Mary Morgan’s clothing store, later the couple also had a cafe, grocery, the bus depot and sold all manner of licenses in Hines Creek, after John’s passing in 1967 Mary returned and started the confectionary, running it until she was 91.

The Wildlife and Forestry exhibits are housing in a stunning contemporary log building. Inside it boasts an amazing display of local wildlife set in an autumn boreal forest and a comprehensive display of the sort of hand tools that were used to build settlers homes, as well as early chain saws. We also have a large collection of agricultural equipment and machinery, hand tools and early tractors and vehicles, including a Bombardier “Nodwell” the track vehicle that kept the Canadian north connected. Two projects we are currently working on are a Ukrainian Heritage building and a working blacksmith’s shop in our new Blacksmith building.

Lubeck Hall is a good example of the sort of community hall that dotted the area, built so that the scattered farm population could have a place to come together, to dance and play and get the news. Today is the location of our Saturday Farmers’ Market, which is a popular place to chat over a cinnamon bun hot out of the oven and a cup of coffee.

SPECIAL EVENTS

Pancake Breakfast, 8:30 – 11:00, Canada Day, July 1^st.

Adults $10:00, Children 6 – 12 $5.00, Children under 5 free.

Pancakes with fresh berries, whipped cream and syrup, ham and eggs make for a delicious breakfast and Morgan’s Confectionary is decorated to celebrate Canada Day!

Heritage Day, 8:30 – 6:00, Monday of the August long weekend.

Entry by Donation.

A pancake breakfast begins the day followed by demonstrations of pioneer crafts, log sawing, an antique tractor parade, horse drawn wagon rides, bannock baked over an open fire, blacksmithing demonstration, petting zoo, games for children, a country market, bread baked in our historic outdoor clay oven, live music, and of course, tours of the museum buildings. There will be hamburgers, hot dogs, homemade pie and ice cream, lemonade and iced tea for sale starting at noon.

INFORMATION

LOCATION

The museum is located at the intersection of Highway 64 and Highway 685, the southern most of the two exits for Hines Creek.

Mailing Address: End of Steel Museum, Box 686, Hines Creek, AB, T0H 2A0

CONTACTS

Office: 780-494-3522 (Answering Machine)

Curator: 780-834-6538 Jean Young (Wed. – Sat.)

Bookings: 780- 835-7827 (Weddings, School Tours, Hall Rental)

Email: hinescreekmuseum@gmail.com

Website: endofsteelmuseum.weebly.com

HOURS

Open mid May to mid Sept.

Monday to Saturday 10:00 – 6:00

Sunday 1:00 – 6:00

Last tour of buildings 4:30

Explore the legendary Mighty Peace, from the fur trade to modern times, through the exhibits at our museum. Discover Nampa and Northern Sunrise County’s historic multicultural roots by following the steps of those who ventured to Canada’s northern-most homesteading area, across the Grouard Trail and onto the railways that took people from all over the world through muskeg to the Mighty Peace Country. Learn about local industries, about farming, about traditional ways as we guide you through the indoor and outdoor exhibits and buildings. With displays on two floors open year round and outdoor exhibits accessible from May to September, the Nampa and District Museum is more than worth a gander.

Major attractions include:

• The original water tank built by the Central Canada Railway to which Nampa owes its very own existence;
• Our old-time boardwalk of shops and businesses from the early to mid 1900’s;
• Our taxidermy exhibits, showing off local wildlife in the area
• The Rucka settlement house (circa 1937)
• Reno’s Ukrainian Catholic Church (circa 1946)

And so much more.

Sponsored Exhibits and Loaned Collections

Learn More About History of Oil and Gas in the Peace Region with Baytex Energy

The Nampa and District Museum is proud to house an interactive display on the legacy of the oil and gas industry in Northern Sunrise County. Sponsored by Baytex Energy, the exhibit guides you through the process of producing and distributing oil and gas in the Peace Region. View core samples extracted by Baytex Energy in Northern Sunrise County.

Learn All About North America’s First Nations through the Dr. David Welch Collection

Delve into North American’s First Nations cultures as you discover Dr. David Welch’s private artifact collection. Located in the second floor gallery, it presents items from the history and prehistory of First Nations across North America. An impressive array of items are on display for our patrons to enjoy —from the first arrowhead Dr. Welch collected on a beach on Vancouver Island at seven to intricately hand-beaded clothing and modern Aboriginal artwork.

Hours of Operation

• June 1st to August 31st – 10 am to 5 pm / 7 days a week
• September 1st to May 31st – 10 am to 5 pm / Monday to Friday
• Admission: Family $12, Adults $5, Students  $2, Children under 6 Free

Tours available in both French and English

The Peace River Museum & Archives is located in the beautiful Peace River Valley. The museum cares for many objects, photographs and archival records that celebrate Peace River’s stories and history. The museum is a fun and a entertaining place of learning through objects in the museum’s collection as an entry-point to inquiry, discussion and exploration about the region. The archives offers an extensive archives and library for family and regional history research. Drop by for personal research or call for an appointment for more in-depth research. 

The museum showcases temporary galleries throughout the year that enables a deeper look into many of the region’s more interesting and thought-provoking stories, individuals and objects. 

Looking for a special gift?

The museum has a wonderful gift shop full of hand-crafted gifts to choose from. You will find 12 Foot Davis magnets by a local glassworks artist, art cards by local photographers, fiber arts, jewelry, history books by local authors and much more!

Hours of Operation:

Monday to Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm (open Sundays in July and August)

Closed only on December 24, 25, 26 and January 1.

Exhibits:

Peace of Mind – Historical and contemporary look at our mental health. Call (780) 624-4261 for more information.

Centenaries – 100 years ago – the DA Thomas paddle boat was built in Peace River, the NAR Station was built; the Mt.Pleasant Cemetery was established, the MD of Peace was created; Our Lady of Peace Catholic church was consecrated 1916. Call (780) 624-4261 for more information.

Taking it to the streets! Downtown Walking Tours – The museum offers walking tours exploring our town’s unique and colourful history. Staging points vary for each town walking tour so check our poster for specific start. Call (780) 624-4261 for more information.

Mackenzie Cairn Interpretive Tours – The Mackenzie Cairn is located on the scenic and historic Shaftesbury Trail (Hwy 684) and commemorates the location of Fort Fork, a North West Company post established by Sir Alexander Mackenzie during his historic trans-continental voyage. Call (780) 624-4261 for more information.

Admission:

Free

Where is the World’s Largest Railroad Spike?  In Hines Creek!!

When WWII broke out, construction on the railroad in northern Alberta came to a halt – in Hines Creek.  The line sat unfinished until well after the war was over, but has long since completed.  During the time after the war, the town become known as “the end of steel”, a moniker it has kept ever since.

Located in downtown Fairview, and originally a RCMP residence, the Fairview RCMP Centennial Museum depicts a typical home from the 1920s era. With displays on the main and upper floor, basement and porch, this museum is literally filled with artifacts, displays, and photos that capture and preserve the history of Fairview and the surrounding area.

Open May to August, Tuesday to Saturday, 1:30 P.M. – 5:00 P.M.

The Fairview Fine Arts Centre is a little gem in the Heart of the Peace. With art shows, classes (weaving, photography, painting, quilting, and more) and various events throughout the year, you will want to keep an eye on what’s happening at the Fairview Art’s Centre! They also offer an affordable meeting and event space. Check out their website for more details.

A Bit About Our History
The Fairview Fine Arts Centre started out as the “Craft Centre” in the mid-sixties. Ladies met at the old E.E. Oliver School to work on weaving, pottery, jewellery making, copper enameling and various crafts. Due to a fire in the building, the members had to relocate to the Provincial Building for a brief period. The group formed and registered as a society in 1979 and began planning to build their own centre. The Fine Arts Centre, at its present location, opened in the fall of 1981.

Athabasca Hall is home of the Peace Players Theatre Group, Athabasca Hall is a cultural centre in Peace River. This historic building hosts various performances and concerts throughout the year. Built in 1938 it is also a historical fixture. Peace Players host several productions every season from September to June, including a musical, a children’s production and the highly popular dinner theatre. Peace Players productions are held upstairs on the Don Weaver Stage, where there is fixed seating for 250 and a lounge and bar area for intermissions

Downstairs there is a sizeable Art Gallery and Dance Studio. The Athabasca Hall is ideal for musical productions, as well as small parties or special events. The capacity for the hall ranges from 114 people to 182 depending on the type of setup.

St. Isidore Museum & Cultural Centre – English

Situated in the quaint hamlet of St-Isidore, is a museum that depicts the storied heritage of the francophone community that left Quebec to establish itself in the Mighty Peace. In the museum, you’ll find costumes, pictures and artefacts that tell the story of hardships and victories. Also, theres a train car replica inside of the museum to help visualize the trek that the families had to make with their enormous families as well as with their livestock.

St. Isidore Museum & Cultural Centre – French

Situé dans le pittoresque hameau de St-Isidore, ce musée présente l’héritage historique de la communauté francophone qui a permis au gens du Québec de s’établir au sein de la région de Rivière-de-la-Paix. Dans le musée, vous trouverez des costumes, des images et des artefacts qui racontent l’histoire des épreuves et des victoires. De plus, il y a une réplique d’un wagon de train à l’intérieur du musée pour aider à visualiser le trek que les familles devaient faire avec leur famille et avec leur bétail. Nous accueillons tout le monde, même si vous ne parlez pas français.

Tisserandes De St. Isidore (St. Isidore Weavers)

Hours Of Operation:

• Monday – Thursday, 9:00am -4:30pm
• Fridays – Call  (780)624-8481

Experience the day to day life of a Peace Country pioneer at the Lac Cardinal Pioneer Village Museum.  Stroll through this depiction of a typical 1920s to 1940s pioneer village and experience what life would have been like for these hardy pioneers.  Immerse yourself in history as you tour four fully furnished houses, a school, a blacksmith shop and a general store!  You can practically smell the bread baking in the bakery!  The village also includes a fire hall, municipal office, carpenter shop, church, barn and library! 

Pioneer Day celebrations are held annually on the second Saturday of August. This is a great way to enjoy the museum!  Start your day with a pancake breakfast and then actually see the saw mill, threshing machine and blacksmith in operation!  Witness butter being churned the old- fashioned way and then take a horse and wagon ride!  Enjoy a lunch of beef on a bun and pie while listening to the musical entertainment on offer. 

Directions – from Grimshaw – next to Queen Elizabeth Provincial Park, access from either Highway 2 or Secondary Highway 685. 

Open May long weekend to September long weekend. 

Hours of operation – Open Thursday to Monday (Closed Tuesday and Wednesday) 11am – 5pm. 

Admission by donation. 

Contact – 780-332-2030 

Originally established in 1888 just west of Strong Creek by Father Auguste Husson O.M.I. (Oblates of Mary Immaculate), the St. Augustine Mission School opened its doors for the 1891-1892 school year. Father LeTreste O.M.I. being the first teacher at the mission school.  With the help of Brothers Milsens and Teillet from Dunvegan, a residence with a public chapel, a shop, a warehouse and a garden were erected at this site.   

In the summer of 1892, the Roman Catholic Church having exchanged land with Francois Le Pretre, moved the Mission and School to the present site on River Lots 21, 22, and 23. The buildings from the Mission’s previous location were moved to the new site, and by the spring of 1893, a new and larger residence with a chapel was built. The old residence that was hauled from Strong Creek was repurposed into a school house. The white church that still stands on its original site was constructed in 1894 and completed in 1896, just in time for the Priests and Brothers to welcome The Sisters of Providence in 1898. The Sisters assumed operation of the school at this time.  

In September of 1900, the Federal Government (Department of Indian Affairs) paid the board for 15 children at $72.00 each per year. However, in 1907, the Federal Government transferred their financial support from St. Augustine’s to Sturgeon Lake Mission. St. Augustine Mission School continued as a church funded facility.  

The Mission continued to grow with the erection of a new school, convent and priest’s residence. In 1945, the Mission school served 80 boarders, 12 day students, with two Fathers, three Brothers, ten Sisters and five lay employees. On December 28th, 1950, Father Tetreault sent a letter to parents of the students, announcing that the Mission was closing as a boarding school. The Sisters went to Hay Lakes where a new Indian Residential School was being opened at Chateh (Assumption Indian Residential School). 

Recognizing its historical significance, the St. Augustine church, cemetery and barn were designated as Provincial Historic Resources in 1977. This site can be found along Shaftsbury Trail near the Town of Peace River. 

Paddling furiously along the Peace River to beat freeze up, Alexander Mackenzie and his crew must have been very glad to reach the area where Fort Fork was to be built and where they were able to find shelter from the coming winter weather.  Soon after his arrival Mackenzie observed “the river stopped” indicating freeze up had arrived!  Mackenzie, a Scottish born explorer and fur trader was to spend the winter of 1792 – 93 at Fort Fork before continuing on his famed journey to the Pacific Ocean.  Fort Fork was named for its close proximity to the convergence of the Smoky and Peace Rivers.  The fort provided shelter for Mackenzie and several years later the explorer – geographer David Thompson.  The fort was also the main North West Company post in the Peace Country until 1806 when its operations were moved to Fort Dunvegan.  Stones from an original chimney in the fort have been preserved and fashioned into a fireplace for the public to view at the Peace River Museum, Archives and Mackenzie Centre.   

Mackenzie Cairn, a National Historic site since 1929, was built to commemorate Fort Fork and marks the spot where visitors can look across the river to the approximate area of Fort Fork which has long since been erased by the ravages of time and river erosion.  Mackenzie Cairn is found a short distance from the Town of Peace River, along the Shaftsbury Trail.  

Christ Church Mission was established in 1886, when Reverend John Gough Brick, an Anglican minister moved from Dunvegan to Shaftesbury Settlement. This mission was also known as the Shaftesbury Mission or simply the ‘English Mission’. It was slow to develop due to lack of manpower and funds. The Reverend Brick found that he could not establish both a working farm as well as preach and teach, and so it was some time before the Mission comprised of more than just the minister’s house. The building of Christ Church took place between 1898 and 1901, and was constructed largely of material salvaged from St. Saviours, the Anglican Mission at Dunvegan (Today’s site of ‘The Maples’ picnic area) 

In 1897, Mr. David Curry arrived from St. Peter’s Mission at Lesser Slave Lake to take over as schoolteacher of Christ Church Mission, Shaftesbury Settlement. By 1907, Miss Lillian Millen, School Mistress and Matron, and Miss E.M. Hall, Assistant Matron were residing with Reverend Robert Holmes and his family at the Shaftesbury Mission. The complex consisted of the church, student residence, school, and barns.  

Eventually the importance of Christ Church diminished as the village of Peace River Crossing continued to grow. Declining enrolment at the Shaftesbury school forced its closure in August 1914. The First Nations children were transferred to other boarding schools in the Diocese, in particular St. Peter’s Mission at Lesser Slave Lake. 

This site is found along Shaftsbury Trail near the Town of Peace River. 

Exploring Alberta’s North and beyond? 

Be sure to stop in at the Mile Zero Marker in Grimshaw and get a photo!  This monument which is part of the Tom Baldwin Memorial Arboretum and the Historic Mackenzie Highway Park, is easy to find, right off the main highway 2 going through the town of Grimshaw. The historic Northern Alberta Railway car beside the marker, offers another photo opportunity for visitors.  The monument marks mile zero of the Mackenzie Highway that will lead visitors north to Manning, High Level, Hay River, Yellowknife and beyond.